Stop Displacement for Tourism: Maasai Representatives from Tanzania Present a Vision for Self-Determined and Sustainable Tourism

Two representatives of the indigenous Maasai from Tanzania will travel through Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, and Belgium in November to draw attention to the displacement of their community. The discussions and events will focus on the impacts of tourism and nature conservation on Maasai territories in northern Tanzania, their rights to land and self-determination, and human rights violations. The Society for Threatened Peoples (STP) is accompanying the delegation’s trip to reinforce the Maasai’s demands to policymakers and the international public.

The tour kicks off with two events in Geneva on November 3 and 4.

The delegation will be in Berlin from November 16 to 18 and will be available for interviews during this time.

November 3: Maasai Representatives Present the “Maasai Tourism Vision” in Geneva

At an event in Geneva, Maasai representatives will present the Maasai Tourism Vision. This vision was developed by the Maasai International Solidarity Alliance (MISA) based on discussions held in more than 20 villages and with over 600 people in northern Tanzania during the summer of 2026. The concept outlines how tourism can be developed in Maasai areas without jeopardizing their land rights, livelihoods, and cultural self-determination.

Location: Maison Internationale des Associations, Mendes Room, Geneva

Time: 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Panelists: Simon Counsell (independent expert), Ana Maria Suarez-Franco (Secretary-General of FIAN International), three Maasai representatives

November 4: Maasai Human Rights in the Spotlight at the United Nations in Geneva

At a side event at the United Nations in Geneva on November 4, Maasai representatives and experts will discuss the human rights situation of the Maasai in Tanzania. The event, organized by STP, will focus on the impacts of evictions, nature conservation measures, and restrictions on traditional land use. Participants will also discuss how existing human rights recommendations can be implemented and how the rights of the Maasai can be protected more effectively.

One day after the side event, the Universal Periodic Review—a regular review process of the UN Human Rights Council—on Tanzania will take place. The upcoming review of Tanzania offers an important opportunity to raise the issue of the Maasai’s situation at the international level and to call for concrete steps to protect them.

Location: Palais des Nations, Room VII, Geneva

Time: 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.